Controlling Reproduction - Women, Society, and State Power

Controlling reproduction is an incredibly powerful tool that involves control over women and their bodies. Nancy Riley and Nilanjana Chatterjee explore how various social institutions beyond the individual, such as the state, religion, market, and family, are involved in the negotiation of reproductive power. This engaging book sheds new light on the operations of power and gender in society and will appeal to students taking courses on reproduction in sociology, anthropology, and gender studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 25 November 2022
Publisher: Polity Press

Controlling reproduction – who has children, how many, and when – is a crucial concern for states, communities, families, and individuals across the globe. However, the stakes involved are far more significant than initially apparent. Control over reproduction holds immense power, capable of shaping social, economic, and political landscapes.

In their insightful book, Nancy Riley and Nilanjana Chatterjee delve into the intricate web of social institutions that play a pivotal role in negotiating reproductive power. They examine how these institutions, extending beyond the individual, including the state, religion, market, and family, intertwine to influence reproductive choices and outcomes. Through a comprehensive exploration of examples from various parts of the world, such as direct fertility policies in China and Romania, the influence of the Catholic Church in Poland and Brazil, racial discrimination and resistance in Mexico and the US, and the indirect impact of laws promoting gender equality in Japan and Norway, the authors shed light on the complex dynamics of power and gender in society.

This engaging and thought-provoking book offers valuable insights for students enrolled in courses related to reproduction in sociology, anthropology, and gender studies. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the multifaceted aspects of reproduction and its profound implications for individuals, communities, and societies as a whole. By examining the interplay between social institutions and reproductive choices, the book challenges readers to consider the broader social, cultural, and political contexts in which reproduction occurs. It encourages a deeper understanding of the power dynamics at play and the ways in which individuals and groups navigate and contest reproductive norms and practices.

In conclusion, Controlling reproduction: Who has children, how many, and when? is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complex dynamics of power, gender, and reproduction. It offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the various social institutions involved in negotiating reproductive power and provides valuable insights into the broader social, cultural, and political contexts in which reproduction occurs. This book will appeal to students, scholars, and policymakers alike, as it contributes to our understanding of the intricate relationship between power, gender, and reproduction and its potential for shaping our world.

Weight: 422g
Dimension: 152 x 230 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509539925